Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-10-24

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neighbours. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter

• describe how the rubbish collection system is not working properly
• explain how this is affecting you and your neighbours
• suggest what should be done about the problem

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Student answer (Band 6.5)

Dear Sir,

I am writing this letter to draw your attention towards the improper garbage collection in the area I am residing.

I have been observing probably since last one month that the wastage collection in my area is inconsistent to a considerable extent. Initially, the rubbish collectors were collecting it every two days but recently my neighbours and I have observed that they aren't collecting the waste since last two weeks. Sometimes, they also miss some houses while collecting it.

People alongwith me who resides in the same area are facing serious issues related to this. The garbage is creating severe odour which makes the air polluted and can cause diseases. There is also a increase in cases of viral infection which I believe is the result of improper wastage collection. Few of my neighbours have also complain about the garbage not being collected from their house. I request you to take into consideration as well.

My suggestions to you related to this issue are to talk in-person with the rubbish collectors and talk about the issue , hiring a person or make arrangements to keep a close watch on this matter.

I will look forward to see the measures taken by you related to this.

Yours sincerely,

XYZ

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The letter addresses all three requirements: it describes missed collections and skipped houses, explains the effects through odour, polluted air and neighbours’ complaints, and proposes action by the council. The contrast between the former two-day schedule and the recent two-week gap gives the problem useful detail, while the tone is appropriately formal. The health impact is relevant, though the claim about increased viral infections is presented without much explanation, and the proposed monitoring arrangements could be made more specific—for example, by requesting a reliable collection schedule and a way to report missed pickups. These points keep some ideas from being fully developed, despite the task being clearly covered overall.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The letter has a clear progression from the purpose, to the collection problem, its effects, and suggested solutions. Paragraphing supports this sequence, and phrases such as “Initially” and “recently” help show the change in service. The closing is also appropriate for a formal letter. Some connections are less smooth: “I request you to take into consideration as well” does not clearly identify what the council should consider, and the suggestions are compressed into one long sentence. Use clearer links between each proposed action and its purpose, and make references explicit. Overall, the organisation is logical and easy to follow, although cohesion is not consistently precise.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of vocabulary for the complaint, including “inconsistent,” “severe odour,” “viral infection” and “close watch.” These choices communicate the issue and its consequences, and the meaning remains clear. However, several expressions are awkward or imprecise: “wastage collection” is less natural than “waste collection,” “draw your attention towards” is an unnatural collocation, and “talk in-person with the rubbish collectors” is not the clearest way to describe the council’s action. There is also repetition of “issue” and “garbage.” Aim for more natural collocations and precise terms for collection services and public-health effects; this would make the formal complaint sound more fluent.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response includes both simple statements and longer sentences, such as the explanation of how missed collections affect residents. Most ideas are understandable, but some grammatical errors remain. For example, “since last one month” and “since last two weeks” use an incorrect time expression; “People … who resides” has subject–verb disagreement; and “Few of my neighbours have also complain” has an incorrect verb form. Articles and agreement also need attention in “There is also a increase.” The suggestions sentence is difficult to control because it combines several actions without parallel grammatical forms. Review time expressions, verb agreement and past participles, and separate complex suggestions into clearer sentences.

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